Niger Delta flooding, NDDC seeks UN aid

In order to solve the environmental difficulties in the region, the Niger Delta Development Commission is pursuing a relationship with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research. This was disclosed in a statement released on Wednesday in Port Harcourt by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, and NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku. This was disclosed by Mr. Ogbuku during a visit by Olivier Van Damme, the Technical Team Leader of the UN Satellite Center’s Strategy, Planning, and Coordination Section.

Speaking through Victor Antai, Director of Projects for the NDDC, Mr. Ogbuku said that UNITAR might play a major role in helping to address the environmental problems in the region. “As NDDC cannot address these challenges alone, we are ready to collaborate on finding long-term solutions to the recurring flooding in the Niger Delta region,” he stated. Collaboration with other development organizations is encouraged. In addition to creating physical infrastructure, we also prioritize environmental preservation and the development of human capital.

Mr. Ogbuku emphasized that UNITAR should offer long-term answers because short-term fixes have shown to be unworkable. Onuoha Obeka, the director of the NDDC’s Environmental Control and Protection division, noted that the commission lacked the information required to predict disasters. He pointed out that having access to such information will help NDDC states prepare better for addressing continuing environmental issues. “We will be able to integrate and analyze geospatial data in a user-friendly manner thanks to our partnership with UNOSAT, which will improve disaster resilience and support sustainable development policies,” he said.

Mr. Damme had earlier clarified that UNOSAT’s goal was to use geospatial information technology to support evidence-based decision-making that would advance resilience, security, and peace. He claims that the UN organization offers flood monitoring systems with artificial intelligence and concentrates on environmental issues, such as capacity building and flood control. “We assist governmental, non-governmental, and international organizations in strengthening their capacities through customized learning solutions,” he continued.